World Cup – Van Dijk scores, Netherlands 2-2 Japan draw

The first round of Group F matches in the 2026 World Cup saw the Netherlands, the "Oranje," concede a late goal after goals from Virgil van Dijk and Somerville, ultimately drawing 2-2 with the "Blue Samurai" Japan.

Two minutes into the match, the Netherlands launched an attack. Gakerbo passed the ball diagonally into the penalty area, where Malen received it and unleashed a shot, but the ball was saved by Japanese goalkeeper Ayako Suzuki. In the 15th minute, Takefusa Kubo played a through ball, and Daizen Zen received a cross from Shogo Taniguchi but his shot went wide.

In the 28th minute, Japan created an attacking opportunity. Keito Nakamura passed the ball to Hiroki Ito, who followed up with a long-range shot, but the ball went over the goal. In the 34th minute, Reindes chipped the ball into the penalty area, and Malen headed the ball while dealing with the defense, but the ball was saved by Japanese goalkeeper Ayako Suzuki.

In the 36th minute, the Netherlands attacked with a free kick. Gakopo received a pass from Dumfries and fired a shot, but the ball went high. In the 43rd minute, Watanabe delivered a cross, and Nakamura Keito's low shot went wide. In the 44th minute, Kamada Daichi played a long pass, and Ueda Ayase's shot hit the side netting.

In the 51st minute of the second half, the Netherlands took a free kick, Hravenberg chipped the ball into the penalty area, and Van Dijk headed it into the net, giving the Netherlands a 1-0 lead. In the 57th minute, Kubo Takefusa entered the penalty area and passed the ball diagonally, Nakamura Keito met it and slotted it home, leveling the score at 1-1 for Japan.

In the 61st minute, Watanabe was brought down by Somerville while attempting a breakthrough, and the referee showed Somerville a yellow card. In the 64th minute, Hravenberg dribbled forward and passed the ball to Somerville, who curled a shot into the net, giving the Netherlands a 2-1 lead again.

In the 73rd minute, Frenkie de Jong played a long pass, and Jakob received the pass and fired a low shot into the penalty area, but it was saved by Japanese goalkeeper Aya Suzuki. In the 80th minute, Junya Ito passed the ball back, and Yukinari Sugawara rushed forward to shoot, but the ball was caught by Dutch goalkeeper Februlgen.

In the 89th minute, Japan took a corner kick, and Koki Ogawa headed the ball towards goal. The ball deflected off Daichi Kamada and flew into the net, leveling the score at 2-2 for Japan. In stoppage time of the second half, Dumfries delivered a cross, and Koopmenas headed the ball towards goal, but it went over the bar.

Ultimately, the Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan.

Image source: Internet